News & Events

Published on
23 June 2016

GPP knowledge generating Workshop: In November 2012, a three days long regional “GPP knowledge generating workshop” was arranged by SDS at Brac CDM, Rajendrapur, Bangladesh from 21-23 November 2012. The purpose of the GPP knowledge generating Workshop was to explore and improve organization’s capacity to implement the Girl Power Programme in their local communities. Over the course of the three days, workshop addressed the following topics:

Gender-Responsive Community Development and parental capacities

Engaging boys and men in gender based violence prevention

Life skills and gender issues

Participants in photo session

Rona van Odenhaven

This collaborative workshop was attended by SDS-GPP team, Country steering committee member organization of Bangladesh, CSOs member, CWIN Nepal, Bedari Pakisthan and ICDI Netherlands. Sessions was interactive and collaborative. The whole session of the workshop was facilitated by Nico van Oudenhoven and Rona Jualla van Oudenhoven. In the inaugural session Chairman of SDS, GPP country coordinator, representative of Nepal and Pakisthan and of course ICDI representatives delivered their speech. Different types of method were used in the workshop to make the discussion topics easier for participants. Some methods that were used in the workshop are Group work and presentation, brain storming, Multi- media presentation, lecture, games etc. Materials used in the training: Various types of materials were used in the training and those are- Multi-media, poster paper, VIPP card, and Training module. Media Campaign: The 1st media campaign was started on 5th December 2011 through a discussion workshop at SDS training hall which was concluded on 29 September through a prize giving ceremony held on 30 September 2012. SDS has given award to three journalist of Shariatpur who provided their effort for promoting girls and young women rights through publishing news, article and feature in the media where they work. President of Shariatpur District press club, Mr. Onal Kumar Day was the chef guest of the award giving ceremony which was held in the conference hall of SDS. The meeting was chaired by Mr. Mozibur Rahman, Executive Director of SDS where Chairman of National women Association, member of GPP District steering committee as well as local and National press and electronic media representatives were present. Based on the performance of journalist who participated in the campaign, a pre formed jury board selected three journalists for the award. The honoured three journalists were

Mozibur Rahman, ED of SDS with Onal Kummar Day and others on the occasion of award giving ceremony

Mr. M. Harun or Rashid – He works with a local newspaper named The Daily Hunkar

Mr. S.M. Mozibur Rahman- He works with one of the most popular electronic media named Channel Eye.

Mr. Kazi Nazrul Islam – He works with a national newspaper named the Daily Samakal

President of Shariatpur District Press club, Mr. Onal Kumar Day and the Executive Director of SDS, Mr. Mozibur Rahman handed over the prize to the awardees. Those three journalists received crest, certificate and cash money as prize. After handover the prize, Mr. Mozibur Rahman, Executive Director of SDS declared the next session of media campaign starting from November 2012 for a six month period. He also described the criteria of journalist to involve in the media campaign as well as the task that the journalist will do to win the next award. Output:

- More than 200 news, article, feature on girls and young women issues published in various local and national print media.

- At least 2000 girls and young women received news, article and feature on girls and young women issues.

Karate training to the girls students of secondary School & community young girls: Education often results in giving women a sense of control over their lives and opening up doors to a more promising future. Sport can have a similarly empowering effect. Over the last decade, sport has increasingly been used as a tool for empowering youth in developing countries. Girls, who face the triple jeopardy of gender and age discrimination in addition to poverty, can benefit from the economic, emotional and physical self-determination. SDS has completed three months long six batches Karate training (Marshal Art) where 150 girls from the girls group aged 12-18 years old were participated. The total course is divided into 24 classes which were being facilitated by a Karate teacher who obtained black belt from Japan Karate association.

All six batch training was organized at school. The trainee was selected by following some basic criteria like their vulnerability, household condition, economic condition, their interest etc. After receiving that training, girls are now self confident and is able to protect them from any kind of incidence that was risk for her movement. Output: - 300 girls lived in different area of Shariatpur learned marshal art as sport - The level of confidence of those girls increased after receiving 3 months long karate training International Women’s day celebration: MARCH 8 is International Women's Day. Each year around the world, International Women's Day (IWD) is celebrated on this day. Thousands of events occur not just on this day but throughout March to mark the economic, political and social achievements of women. Sixteen years ago, 189 countries signed on to a Platform for Action that affirmed the need to work for women's equality in access to education, healthcare, jobs, credit, and more. It stressed the need to have women participate fully in the economic and political life of their countries, and to protect women's right to live free from violence. Shariatpur Development Society (SDS) celebrated the 101th International Women Day -2012 with full enthusiasm and great exertion through awarding women for their extra ordinary work, press conference, rally and cultural Program to mark the women's day this year with the theme "Connecting girls, inspiring futures". Government department, various likeminded NGOs, National Children Task Force (NCTF) & Students Forum also expressed their solidarity with us. The celebration programme was divided into two parts.

Feminist leader Romena Afroz, Rowshan Ara and Amala Das announcing the day initiative of SDS to celebrate International women’s day 2012

Deputy Commissioner, Shariatpur, delivering his speech on the celebration ceremony

1st day: The celebration programme was begun on 7th March through press conference and award giving ceremony with cultural show. The press conference was arranged at SDS conference hall at 5.00 pm where most of the prnting and electronic media who are working in Shariatpur were present. The conference was chaired by Romena Afroja, president of Paribarik Nirjaton Protirodh Jote (Forum to protect domestic violence) and member of Girl Power CSO committee, Shariatpur where Mozibur Rahman, Executive Director of SDS, Najnin Akhter, President of Girl Power district steering committee and Advocate Rawshan Ara, chairman of Jatyo Mohila Parishad (National women forum) were delivered their speech on International women’s day. After the press conference, the award giving ceremony was started at the yard of Shahid Minar at 7.00 pm. The ceremony was concluded through a statement for breaking the silence. From this award ceremony SDS awarded five women of Shariatpur district who have contribution in their respective field. Awarded women were- 1. Khaleda Khanom- She was awarded for her valuable contribution in the liberation war of Bangladesh. 2. Shamim Shikder- She was awarded for her national and international achievement in the field of Fine arts. 3. Rasheda Amin- She was awarded for her valuable contribution in the field of journalism. 4. Shahidun Nahar- She was awarded for her valuable contribution to enhance girl education. 5. Rawshan Ara Mukul- She was awarded for her valuable contribution in social development. Md. Sanwar Hossain, Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Shariatpur, was present at that award giving ceremony as chief guest while Abdur Rob Munshi, Mayor of Shariatpur Pourashava, Doctor Abdul Wahab, Civil Surgeon of Shariatpur and Advocate Rowshan Ara, chairman of Jatyo Mohila Parishad were present as special guest. Romena Afroja, president of Paribarik Nirjaton Protirodh Jote (Forum to protect domestic violence) and member of Girl Power CSO committee, Shariatpur chaired the award giving ceremony. “The National Women’s Development Policy (NWDP) of 2011 is a very important and ground breaking policy document for Bangladesh. We believe that if the Policy is effectively implemented that it will bring meaningful changes in justice for women and in equality between men and women.”- Mozibur Rahman, Executive Director of SDS said in his welcome speech Highlighting the theme of the Day ‘CONNECTING GIRLS, INSPIRING FUTURES”, all speakers came into the point that Violence against women is endemic around the world. Ending it requires everyone's participation, including an active and vocal role for men and for religious leaders of both sexes. Romena Afroja, chair of the award giving ceremony said in her concluding speech that “it is a time for celebration because of the many gains won over a century to improve women’s lives. But it is also a time to renew commit to greater resistance because of the continuing and emergent obstacles to our full economic and political empowerment as women. The most common causes of the failure to protect women's rights are poverty, lack of proper understanding of the rights of women, weak enforcement of the laws, and above all widespread corruption within the justice system itself.” 2nd day: In 8 March, SDS with collaboration of Government department arranged rally, art competition and discussion meeting in all upazilla of Shariatpur and other two districts named Gopalganj and Faridpur wherever various likeminded NGOs, National Children’s Tasks force (NCTF), Department of Social Welfare and Department of women and children affairs expressed their solidarity. In Shariatpur district Mr. Abi Abdullah, Additional Deputy Commissioner commenced the rally from the office of Deputy Commissioner at 9.30 am which was concluded at Upazilla Parishad. About 600 girls, 400 women, teachers, guardians were attended in the Rally. Colorful placard, festoon, band party were used in the rally to make an extra color. After the Rally a discussion meeting was held at Upazilla Parishad. The meeting was chaired by Samina Ferdous, Upazilla Nirbahi Officer, Shariatpur. On behalf of Deputy Commissioner, Mr. Abi Abdullah, Additional Deputy Commissioner was attended in the meeting as chief guest International Girl Child Day: Shariatpur Development Society (SDS) is an NGO, working to reduce gender based violence has taken an 8 day long campaign to celebrate the first ever International Girl Child Day-2012 with an objective of ending child marriage. On 4th October: The campaign stared through a press conference where more than 20 press and electronic media were participated to make a wide range of media coverage. On that day a folk song with film show was staged in Zazira upazilla. In that folk song and film show ceremony a fiction and documentary was broadcasted which was prepared to aware community people on the bad consequences of child marriage. On 5th October folk song with film show was staged in Vedorganj upazilla where about 500 community people came to enjoy the show. On 6th October a sensitization workshop on child marriage was arranged for the media practitioner where 21 press and electronic media representatives were participated. Also a folk song and video show was staged in Naria Upazilla. On 7th October an inter-District school debate competition with the theme “Child marriage is the biggest problem for individual, society and country as well” was arranged at the city corporation auditorium where a total of six educational institutions were participated. In that debate competition, Vedorganj Pilot School won the championship. Also a folk song and video show was staged in Goshairhat Upazilla.

Executive Director of SDS announce eight day long campaign

Human chain to stop child marriage on the ocation to celebrate international girl child day-2012

On 8th October a consultation meeting was arranged in each upazilla of Shariatpur highlighted the theme “Current situation of child marriage; what should we do”. Also a folk song and video show was stages in Damudda Upazilla. On 9th October a folk song and video show was arranged in sadar upazilla. On 10th October Girl’s group member of Shariatpur arranged a poster leaflet campaign through hanging poster and distributing leaflet. This poster leaflet campaign will be organized in all the upazilla of Shariatpur. On 11 October the main programme was started where at least 500 girls and 200 men and boys were participated in rally. In that rally about 50 girls were derived bi-cycle to show their ability. After the rally at afternoon, a round table discussion was organized on “Work for ending child marriage” where Deputy Commissioner of Shariatpur District chaired and Superintend of Police of Shariatpur District was chief guest. After the round table discussion a prize giving ceremony as well as the closing ceremony held with film show. There are various ways for the poor to survive, but not all ways are sustainable. Some ways, such as undertaking IGAs, make them independent and in control of their lives. But other ways, such as taking help from relatives or neighbours, or expecting handouts from government, make them more vulnerable. Operating an IGA provides the opportunity to be self -employed using one's own skills and resources. IGAs generate increased income that allows families to enjoy better food, clothes, shelter, medicine and status in the society. Unfortunately, many times the poor do not have confidence in their capabilities and think that they cannot manage economic activities or other initiatives that let them live better. Considering girls and young women needs and priority, SDS has organized four type of IGA training where a total of 75 girls and young omen participated. Beautification training: SDS has organized one batch beautification training for 15 vulnerable girls and young women to improve the financial condition of their family. All 15 girls and young women are come from different girls group and was selected by local CBOs based on their vulnerability, needs and interest. The three months duration training was started 0n 1st October 2012 and was finished on 30th December 2012. The training was facilitated by a professional beautician who has a vast experience in this sector. All the trainee got training on the following trade- a). Eyebrow threading b). Hair cutting c). Facial d). Hair rebooting, e). Hair straight f). Hair colour g). Bleach h). Fair polish i). Mani- cure j). Pedy cure k). Mehendi l). Bridal make-up m). Hair pump etc.

Rona and Nico with beautification trainee

Beautification trainee are make-uping another trainee

After receiving the training, all the girls and young women are planed to do a beauty parlour business in their respective area. They are preparing their 30% capital by themselves and SDS is supporting them by giving micro finance from its microfinance programme. Moreover, GPP gave them some materials to start their business initially. Handicraft training: Another 20 days long handicraft training was started in December at SDS headquarter. Under this training a total of 40 trainees were trained in two batches. The 1st batch training was conducted on Block print where as 2nd batch training was conducted on Batik print. All 40 girls and young women are come from different girls group and was selected by local CBOs based on their vulnerability, needs and interest. All of them are most vulnerable considering their family’s financial condition. The training was basically practical but has some theoretical knowledge. An expert in this sector with more than 20 years of experience was facilitated the whole training.

Hands on training on handicraft (Block on cloths)

A trainee with a finished product

After receiving the training, all the girls and young women are planed to do a handicraft business in their respective area. They are preparing their 30% capital by themselves and SDS is supporting them by giving micro finance from its microfinance programme. Moreover, GPP gave them some materials to start their business initially. Catering training: Substantial improvement of women entrepreneurship could play vital role towards ensuring women empowerment. Considering the importance and effectiveness of catering business, SDS has given a 10 days long catering business training to 20 vulnerable girls and young women came from girls group of Girl power project. All the girls and young women was selected by local CBOs based on their vulnerability, needs and interest. An expert in this sector with more than 10 years of experience was facilitated the whole training. After receiving the training, all the girls and young women are planed to do a handicraft business in their respective area. They are preparing their 30% capital by themselves and SDS is supporting them by giving micro finance from its microfinance programme. Moreover, GPP gave them some materials to start their business initially. Girl club Development: In Bangladesh 22% population are adolescent where 42% are girls. Gender inequality and discrimination is deeply entrenched and widely tolerated throughout the country. Safe Spaces seeks to reduce the inequalities and gender discrimination, increase sociability, improve educational attainments, economically empower teenage girls, reduce early marriage and its harmful effects and enhance health awareness and practices. In last six month SDS has developed three (3) Girl Club in three secondary school located at Damudda, Goshairhat and Sadar aiming to empower girls and young women socially and financially as well as to develop leadership for eliminating gender inequality. Girl clubs are operated by girl forum formed by Girl power project which remains open twice a week. The clubs are decorated with furniture, books, magazine, novels, poster, booklet, leaflet etc. SDS Girls Club providing a place where girls and young women within the age group 10-24 can grow, learn, have fun, and develop confidence in themselves and their ability to make a difference in the world. By delivering information, leadership training and sport instruments provide girls with the vision to plan – and the tools to build – their future.

Member of girls club in front of club premise

Girls club members playing in club

Living a healthy lifestyle develops a capacity to engage in positive behaviours that nurture a child’s well being. The club life skill activities teach them how to set personal goals and to develop competencies to live successfully as self-sufficient adults. On the other hand the Club's sports and recreation programs are helping members to develop habits that nurture fitness, positive use of their leisure time, skills for stress management, an appreciation for the environment, and social and interpersonal skills. Human Chain: To stop child marriage and to reform the law against child marriage SDS organized six human chain at the same time in front of sub district administration office in June 2012. Along with SDS, like minded organizations and CSOs, CBOs, educational institution, NCTF and girl forum also expressed solidarity with those human chains. Speakers at human chain demand remarkable punishment to stop child marriage. Speakers also urge to proper implementation of law and order. They also told that all of us stepped against child marriage and it should be a social movement.

Human chain to stop child marriage

Pot Song: Village people are not aware about the rights of girls and young women and how the violence occurred. In order to aware the community people, CBO group with the assistance of SDS organized fourteen (14) pot song (Folk song) sessions in different location of Shariatpur. In those show the current situation of violence and the way to eliminate the violence from the society was visualised through song and short drama. The name of the pot song is “Pot for self-protection”. All the session were done in May and June in 2012. In all those shows different strata people were attended to enjoy the performance. Chairman of respective union, One representative of SDS were deliver their short speech regarding girl child rights. Through those shows people of those localities were aware about the violence and its measure. After each session, an evaluation exercise was done for measure the achievements. Most of the participants accepted the massages that were delivered through pot song session. They expressed that they will act as a change maker in the society. A total of 4550 community people were enjoyed those pot show where 1270 were female and 1878 were adolescent girl.

Community people are enjoying pot show and drama

Community people are enjoying pot show and drama

SDS organized school & collage level cultural competition to enhance knowledge on gender equity and gender based violence. Cultural competition was held at district level where student of different educational institution were participated. The competition was held on three sectors that is art, song and poetry. A board of jury was formed to ranked the performer who was renound in the respective field. In each sector, all the participants were divided in three level based on their age. After the competition, a prize were distributed through a prize giving ceremony where CSOs, CBOs, guardian were attended to enjoy the ceremony.

Participants in art competition

Winner of cultural competition with District magistrate

Women Fair: Nari mela (women fair), a two day long event was organized by SDS to create opportunity for girls and young women. The fair was held at the sub district headquarter where women entrepreneur made their business stall to sell and advertise. The fair was inaugurated by a well known women leader and social activist, Miz Majeda Showkot Ali. The opening ceremony was chaired by Shamima Ferdous, chief Sub district office where Executive Director of SDS given a welcome speech. Speaker told that “why we are celebrating women fair, why we never think about male fair? The answer is that women are vulnerable, the do not get their rights. As a human being we have equal rights and every male should take steps to ensure the rights of women”. A number of women entrepreneur like handicraft, traditional sweets, and beauty parlour made their stall in this fair. Thousands of people were visited in the fair and enjoyed two days long cultural programme.

Chief guest of women fair delivering her speech to women

Guest are visiting stall of women entrepreneur

Workshop on early marriage and its consequence at Upazial level involving community leaders & duty bearers: SDS has organized six batches workshop for CSO members on child marriage. The prime objective of this workshop is to sensitise the CSO members on child marriage; how they can work in their community to end child marriage. During the inauguration and closing session of the training respective CSO president was presented there to deliver welcome speech and explaining the objective of the workshop.

Participant listening lecture

Group work at workshop

Training method used in the training: Different types of method were used in the training to make the discussion topics easier for participants. Some methods that were used in the training are Group work and presentation, Multi- media presentation, lecture, games etc. Materials used in the training: Various types of materials were used in the training and those are- Multi-media, poster paper, VIPP card, Training module. GPP Staff capacity building (Training, workshop, seminar, conference) in abroad:Integrated Sustainable Coastal Development”, ISCD 2012 B: “Integrated Sustainable Coastal Development”, ISCD 2012 B” is an international training programme held in Sweden from 20 August to 08 September 2012. The training is organized by NIRAS (former Ramboll Natura) in cooperation with the School of Global Studies (SGS) at the University of Gothenburg. The programme is financed by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida). The long term objective of the training programme is to contribute to an integrated sustainable development of coastal zones (Shariatpur is a coastal as well as disaster prone area) in which the needs and rights of poor people are taken into account. This training programme is not an individual training but it is aimed for developing capacity in organizations and institutions. Project Manager of GPP was selected for that training and has completed the 1st part of that international training with partial scholarship. The 2nd part of this training will be held in Tanzania from 3 December to 14 December 2012 with a full scholarship.

Project Coordinator-GPP with other fellow of ISCD

Expert delivering speech for ISCD fellow

The Goal Educate the Educators Workshop: With a aim to increase organization’s capacity to implement the Goal programme (Sport) in their local communities, Women win and Naz Foundation collaborately organized the Goal Educate the Educators Workshop where Mr. Ezazul Huque, Technical officer of GPP was participated on behalf of SDS. It was a paid workshop where SDS bear all sorts of expense for our participant. The main discussion topic of this training were-

Promising practices for Goal Programme implementation in local communities

Facilitation techniques for Goal life skills sessions and sport sessions

Various roles of educators/coaches in the Goal programme

Goal monitoring and evaluation

Collective impact and shared monitoring and evaluation metrics and indicators

Training coaches/educators in local communities

This workshop is also an international workshop where representative of India, Bangladesh and Nepal were participated